Southern California -- this just in

Missing luggage belonging to Israeli security detail found at LAX, but at least one gun is missing

July 6, 2010 | 11:34
pm

Lost luggage that belonged to security officials for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been found by American Airlines officials at Los Angeles International Airport, but at least one handgun that was packed in the baggage is missing, officials said Tuesday.

American Airlines workers at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York apparently misrouted the luggage, which was supposed to be placed on a connecting flight to Washington, D.C., where Netanyahu is meeting with President Obama at the White House.

Earlier news reports indicated that four Glock 9-millimeter pistols were missing, but airline officials say they believe there is only one weapon that remains unaccounted for.

The Israeli Consulate has referred all media inquiries to American Airlines.

“When you have a situation related to security, we allow the appropriate law enforcement agencies to handle the situation, and we refrain from commenting publicly, so that we don’t hamper an investigation,” according to a prepared statement by the airline.

Port Authority police in New York are investigating to determine whether any of the weapons were stolen at JFK or at another airport along the way, including LAX.

Security protocols require airline passengers with firearms to pack them in their bags and check them in at ticket counters.

Sgt. Belinda Nettles, a spokeswoman for the Los Angeles airport police, said the department has discussed the matter with American Airlines, but she could not provide further details.